Commercial / Dual-Use Tech. Defense Scale.
You’ve built groundbreaking tech. Now unlock the world’s most powerful customer: Global Security.
The Opportunity
Accelerator Alley provides a unique opportunity for small businesses and startups to enter the special operations market. This program is designed for companies with fewer than 250 employees and little to no current SOF sales.
Hosted within the Special Air Warfare Symposium (SAWS), Accelerator Alley offers emerging innovators the chance to directly engage with members of U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), senior leaders, and industry decision-makers.
Organizations will be selected to receive tabletop display space, offering a high-visibility platform to showcase new technologies and concepts that align with AFSOC capability priorities.
What your participation may achieve
- Contracts & Sales: Generate immediate government leads and high-value follow-up discussions.
- Validation & Feedback: Get raw, meaningful insights from mission-critical end users.
- CRADAs & Development: Fast-track federal co-development and R&D agreements.
- Capital & B2B Growth: Connect with top-tier VCs and strategic enterprise partners.
AFSOC Priorities
- Sensing & Intelligence — antenna apertures, global sensing, multi-INT data fusion, and a common operating/intel picture for improved situational awareness
- Communications & Networking — low-visibility/resilient communications, mission networking, and PNT (position, navigation, timing)
- Autonomy, AI & Targeting — autonomous/swarming systems, collaborative target ID, and complex targeting
- Strike & Mobility — independent and runway-independent SOF air mobility/airstrike, cost-effective/low-signature strike options, and scalable weapons effects
- Cyber & Information Operations — cyber/IO capability development and cybersecurity monitoring
- Force Health & Protection — battlefield trauma care, force health protection, personnel protective equipment, and human-system integration
- CBRN & Countermeasures — forward-deployed CBRN decontamination and full-spectrum threat warning/countermeasures
- Training & Operational Prep — OPE training, SERE, assault-zone operations, and SOF support in austere environments
AFSOC Areas of Interest: View the most current document on SAM.gov
Application Details Below
Qualifications
- Fewer than 250 employees (small business);
- Low or no existing SOF sales (new to the market);
- Capabilities aligned with AFSOC areas of interest;
- Technology Readiness Level will also be considered;
- Companies can only participate in Accelerator Alley once per event.
*Points awarded based on adherence to the above qualifications.*
The Application Process
- 19 Oct – 27 Nov 2026: Application Window
- 30 Nov – 9 Dec 2026: Review Period
- 10 Dec 2026: Selections Announced
- 9–11 Feb 2027: Accelerator Alley showcased onsite at SAWS
The Cost & Benefits
- If selected, participation is $1,000 and includes:
- (1) 6’ table and (2) two chairs
- (2) Full Conference Passes
- Access to all networking sessions, keynotes, and exhibit hours
The When & Where
- Location: Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, Fort Walton Beach, FL
- Wednesday, 10 February 2027 | During Exhibit Hours
- Thursday, 11 February 2027 | During Exhibit Hours
*Schedule subject to be changed and will be finalized with selection announcements.